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Plans for new data protection regulations governing exactly how businesses should be able to use customers’ information on the island have officially been put forward by the government.
Prompted by the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which will come into force next year, the Council of Ministers published their detailed proposals on how a new data protection law could work yesterday.
That Draft Law will be debated and voted on by politicians in January 2018.
Officials say that the law is aimed at enhancing the privacy rights of Jersey citizens, while also enabling the movement of information between the island and the EU – something essential in facilitating trade.
It should also clarify when businesses are able to process customer data as they develop products, and better allow the island to cooperate with law enforcement authorities in other jurisdictions.
Pictured: The draft legislation deals with what businesses should - and should not - do with information about their customers.
If approved, small businesses and charities will be offered support by the States and Office of the Information Commissioner during the transition towards the new regime.
The Assistant Chief Minister, Senator Paul Routier, commented: “Jersey is committed to implementing a data protection regime that meets the needs of Islanders and businesses. By achieving the highest standards on data protection, Jersey’s businesses will continue to enjoy access to international markets.”
If given the go-ahead by the States Assembly and the Privy Council, the new laws should to come into effect on the same day as the GDPR, 25 May 2018.
See the proposed laws here and here.
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